Meeting of Representatives of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions, Confederation of Industry and Transport of the CR and Confederation of Employers' and Entrepreneurs' Associations of the CR

Prague,11th February 2009

Conclusions

The representatives of Czech social partners agreed the following joint points that should aim at mitigating the impacts of economic crisis in the Czech Republic:

1.      We demand real involvement of social partners. All the steps that are prepared or will be prepared in the future in reaction to deepening of the crisis in the Czech Republic must be consulted with social partners beforehand. The present approach of the Government, which does not respect and support social partners and the principles of social partnership, is unacceptable!

2.      We demand that the Government takes steps to make the banks to change their behaviour and enabling companies to have access to so much needed financial resources. The present attitude of banks is unacceptable and puts the real economy under serious risk.

3.      We appeal to the Government of the Czech Republic to support the joint steps of the European Union in the battle against the crisis and - as the country currently holding the EU presidency - to push through their quick implementation.

4.      We demand direct assistance to companies in the form of covering of costs in cases when an employee is undergoing further training ordered by the employer.

5.      As essential we consider measures leading to more flexible financing of projects in the framework of operational programmes of the EU structural funds. If more flexibility is not introduced, the chances of utilization of the EU financial means for support of the competitiveness of companies operating in the Czech Republic are under risk!

6.      We demand speeding-up of depreciations!

7.      We demand the introduction of car scrapping premiums also in the Czech Republic.

8.      We demand reduction of prices of electricity and gas in the Czech Republic.

9.      We demand the VAT to be paid only on the basis of invoices already settled by the customer.

At the meeting participated:

Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions:

Mr Milan Štěch, President and Mr Josef Středula, President of the OS KOVO (Trade Union of Metalworkers)

Confederation of Industry and Transport of the CR:

Mr Jaroslav Hanák, Vice President

Confederation of Employers' and Entrepreneurs' Associations of the CR:

Mr Jan Wiesner, President